In Maryland, property owners are responsible for keeping the premises safe at all times. This includes department stores. Department store owners and employees should conduct routine inspections to ensure that there are no potential hazards, and if a hazard does arise, it should be rectified immediately. If this does not occur, serious accidents can happen. If you are injured due to a store owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more.
How do Department Store Accidents Occur?
It may come as a surprise, but there are countless ways to sustain an injury while browsing the aisles of your favorite department store. The most common accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip and fall accidents
- Dressing room accidents
- Shopping cart accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Inadequate security incidents
Can I Recover Compensation?
It is important to know that victims of premises liability incidents can hold the negligent store owner liable for the accident they caused. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit in which they are required to prove negligence. This can be done by answering two questions that satisfy the burden of proof. They are as follows:
- Did the store owner know about the hazard present?
- Should the store owner have reasonably known about the hazard?
In order to provide this proof, you should take the following steps:
- Call 911: the police can send an ambulance to the scene and file an accident report.
- Notify the store: it is important to let the store manager know that an accident has occurred right away.
- Document the scene: if possible, take pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident to occur.
- Obtain witness contacts: if anyone saw your accident occur, ask for their name and number. They may be able to corroborate your version of events.
- Seek medical attention: go to the hospital immediately after your injury occurs. This will ensure that your injuries are treated, while simultaneously providing you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Contact an attorney: an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to gather further proof of negligence, including security camera footage and police reports.
- File your claim on time: in Maryland, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a department store accident, reach out to our firm today to speak with a skilled and dedicated attorney.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you love was injured in a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates today.
